Mintage: 6,784

This is a date-denomination combination that because of its low mintage figure should be a much scarcer one to find. Surprisingly, a larger percentage of these 1882-CC eagles have survived in comparison to other dates in the series with similar mintages. Even more surprising are PCGS’s and NGC’s population statistics that reveal there are more than 100 1882-CC eagles graded AU-55 and AU-58.

You would think that with so many higher end AU examples of this date available there would be an ample supply of Mint State specimens. Yet PCGS does not list one Mint State 1882-CC eagle in its population report, and NGC lists only three, two in MS-61 and one in MS-62.

One observation we have noted that might explain why there are so many AU-55 and AU-58 examples of this date is a large percentage of pieces in these condition ratings are over-graded. Some are downright ugly. Chances are if all of the AU-55 and AU-58 1882-CC eagles were gathered in one place, more than half of them would not meet the grade-range requirements of a panel of “CC” gold coin experts.

The example offered here passes all tests for its AU-55 rating, and, in fact, makes a strong case for an upgrade to AU-58. Its surfaces, having been lightly dipped, display vibrant luster. The coin’s color, while not totally original, is an attractive blend of light golden-orange. Only slight wear is visible on the obverse’s high points, and virtually no wear is visible on the reverse. Multiple contact marks are scattered across the surfaces on both sides, with a few light hairlines layered in the fields. None of the abrasions are detractive, however, and in fact are overshadowed by the coin’s radiance and exquisite color. The details are razor sharp and well defined.

This is clearly an exceptional high-end example of this tenth rarest date in the Carson City gold eagle series.

Click image to zoom